Akash Deep Gets a Stern Warning From Shubman Gill during IND vs ENG Lord's Test

The third Test between England and India began at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, where the hosts won the toss and chose to bat first. This decision surprised a few, given the pitch had some grass and moisture early on.

As the game started, the Indian pacers, especially Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharp. The first hour has always been crucial for both teams as conditions slightly favour the bowlers, but only if they bowl in the right areas.

Shubman Gill Scolds Akash Deep at Lord's

As the England opener, Zak Crawley started moving in his crease, fast bowler Akash Deep began to follow him. Crawley tried to move down the track, which prompted Akash to bowl wider and shorter. As he moved outside his off stump and came down the track, the India quick started bowling a little short of a length deliveries.

However, India captain Shubman Gill wasn't too pleased and immediately rushed towards his fast bowler to have a word. Akash Deep got a stern warning from Gill, who seemed quite animated. Shubman Gill scolds Akash Deep during this moment, asking him to bowl at the planned spot. Gill shouted to Akash Deep and said, “Are jagah par to daal!” (Bowl in that spot!).

Clearly, Gill wanted Akash not to get away from his plans despite the batter trying to put pressure on him. Soon, the India pacer realised his mistake and started hitting the perfect line and length. Suddenly, he was bowling right into Zak Crawley’s uncomfortable zone. The change was immediate, making Crawley look unsure.

Tough Opening Session

It was a tense opening session of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord's. The bowlers knew they had to be precise. Only this hour would give them some help from the pitch and overhead conditions. After that, the pitch was likely to flatten out. Crawley looked edgy early on. But he adjusted quickly. He stepped out of his crease a few times to disrupt Akash’s rhythm. That tactic worked for a while as he survived the tough phase without losing his wicket.

India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional from the other end. He kept asking different questions with every delivery. There was a loud LBW appeal against Crawley. Bumrah was interested but concerned about the height. Rishabh Pant, behind the stumps, was sure it was out. Gill stood nearby, listening to the discussion. But the clock ran out, and they didn’t review.

Bumrah continued to trouble the English batters and was enjoying these conditions. Shubman Gill, leading the side, was fired up and cheering on his bowlers. The pitch looked different from the previous day. Groundsmen had trimmed a lot of grass. This meant it would be better for batting as the day went on. But the first hour remained crucial for bowlers.

Series level 1-1

India came into the IND vs ENG 3rd Test with confidence. They had convincingly beaten England in the second Test at Edgbaston. Even though Bumrah missed that match, Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up. Gill was stellar in both innings with 269 and 161, while Siraj took six wickets.

India have good memories at Lord’s. Out of 19 Tests between these two sides at this venue, England have won 12 and India just three. But India had won two of their last three matches here in 2014 and 2021. The Lord’s pitch is always interesting. It has a slope, which helps seamers and spinners alike. The cracks may open up later, bringing spinners into play. But early on, fast bowlers have a chance to make an impact.

Before the match started, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar rang the iconic bell at Lord’s. It set the tone for a big day. The atmosphere was electric.
England didn't lose any wickets in the first hour but lost two in quick succession afterwards as Nitish Kumar Reddy picked two in an over. At lunch, England were 83-2 with Joe Root and Ollie Pope still at the crease.